FYI - For Your Innovation

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Sam, and Nick explore the future of prediction markets, cutting-edge medical AI, and the surprising power of global events to reshape financialization. You’ll discover how the World Cup has catapulted prediction markets into the spotlight, with volume trending towards over $100 billion annualized. We also uncover a revolutionary medical scanning device that promises to do high-definition ultrasound in a fraction of the cost and time, and break down the implications of accessible, frequent scans—tracking disease progression and enabling personalized health insights—while sparking debate on regulations, data privacy, and consumer bioscience.Key Points From This Episode:Prediction markets are seeing a huge surge in volume during the World Cup, driven partly by sports-betting restrictions in the U. S. and by new users exploring adjacent markets like crypto and Key Performance Indicators (KPI)/event-based contracts.Kalshi appears to be benefiting more than Polymarket in the current wave, with stronger U. S.-market exposure and regulatory positioning, while Polymarket’s share has fallen and it’s facing trust/marketing scrutiny.Midjourney’s new medical scanning device sparked excitement and controversy because it could make frequent, lower-cost scans possible, potentially improving early detection and longitudinal health data, but also raising concerns about ambiguous findings and the tension between biohacking and traditional medical science.If you know ARK, you know we focus on long-term innovation. But that doesn’t mean we ignore breaking news. Every day, we debate the latest developments in tech and markets. Now, we’re bringing those conversations to you in “The Brainstorm,” a co-production from ARK, WOLF, and Public. Tune in weekly for our quick takes on what’s shaping innovation right now.Learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialLearn more about Public: https://public.com/Disclosure: http://arkinv.st/39rzF94

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Sam, and Nick explore how SpaceX’s initial public offering (IPO) could revolutionize the space and satellite industries, with Elon Musk’s trillion-dollar vision focusing on Starlink satellites and AI orbital data centers. They discuss the intricate financial strategies that could propel SpaceX to $400 billion in revenue, and how Tesla’s Robotaxis signal a massive investment opportunity in space-enabled infrastructure. Finally, they breakdown the news of Fox acquiring Roku, unlocking synergies in the connected television era, and why understanding these shifts is crucial for future tech dominance.Key Points From This Episode:The true value of space-related ventures lies in leveraging cash infusion to accelerate future technological scaling, emphasizing long-term growth over short-term profitability.Transformative tech companies' valuations depend on bundling consumer relationships with advanced infrastructure, creating a powerful moat that ensures future user lock-in.Developments in AI are democratizing capabilities, shifting the focus from restriction to adaptation, highlighting the unstoppable nature of open-source progress.If you know ARK, you know we focus on long-term innovation. But that doesn’t mean we ignore breaking news. Every day, we debate the latest developments in tech and markets. Now, we’re bringing those conversations to you in “The Brainstorm,” a co-production from ARK, WOLF, and Public. Tune in weekly for our quick takes on what’s shaping innovation right now.Learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialLearn more about Public: https://public.com/Disclosure: http://arkinv.st/39rzF94

In this episode of FYI, Brett Winton and Chase Prather host Andy Tang, partner at Draper Associates, to discuss how venture capital is evolving alongside AI, deep tech, and shifting market dynamics. Andy reflects on his 20-year investing career, the growing importance of AI-native companies, and why the cost of execution is rapidly declining for startups. The conversation explores founder psychology, the role of contrarian investing, and how Draper approaches unconventional ideas ranging from artificial wombs to AI-generated companies and personalized cancer therapies. Andy also shares insights on venture ecosystems, market cycles, and the characteristics that separate enduring founders from everyone else.Key Points From This Episode: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:06:09 How AI-native startups are reshaping venture capital strategies.00:20:47 Why the cost of building companies is falling dramatically.00:28:18 How venture ecosystems evolve through successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) cycles.00:42:11 How venture investors evaluate founder ambition and long-term outcomes.00:50:02 How AI could enable single-person or founderless companies.00:53:26 The idea of growing replacement organs outside the human body.00:54:01 Personalized “end-of-one” cancer treatments and custom clinical trials.00:57:05 Why declining biotech costs could transform healthcare economics.Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett and Nick discuss Apple's latest AI strategy announced at the 2026 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), including a major Siri upgrade. They explore how Apple's integration of Gemini models and on-device capabilities could transform Siri into a deeply personal AI companion. They also analyze the strategic moves of industry giants—Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, and SpaceX—and what their latest AI and data center investments mean for the future of computing, infrastructure, and enterprise value.Key Points From This Episode:AI is fundamentally reshaping product ecosystems, requiring cautious, incremental deployment to prevent overpromising and maintain trust. Apple's approach to embedding deeper context access in Siri exemplifies this principle.The challenge lies in transforming AI prototypes into polished, error-minimized products that can scale globally. Apple's delays highlight the importance of quality and reliability in influencing user experience.Winning in AI involves building a hardware ecosystem that captures personal context continuously. Apple's integration of wearables, phones, and glasses aims to create a seamless user experience by acting as both input and context-capturing hardware.If you know ARK, you know we focus on long-term innovation. But that doesn’t mean we ignore breaking news. Every day, we debate the latest developments in tech and markets. Now, we’re bringing those conversations to you in “The Brainstorm,” a co-production from ARK, WOLF, and Public. Tune in weekly for our quick takes on what’s shaping innovation right now.Learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialLearn more about Public: https://public.com/Disclosure: http://arkinv.st/39rzF94

In this episode of FYI, Brett Winton, Cathie Wood, and Charlie Roberts sit down with Bryan Johnson, founder of Blueprint and creator of Braintree. They explore his pursuit of extending human life and the broader philosophical shift toward valuing existence itself. Bryan shares the origin of his ideas, the role of AI in accelerating change, and why he believes humanity must rethink its priorities. The conversation also covers practical approaches to improving health today, including sleep, behavior, and measurement, alongside the long-term implications of longevity science.Key Points From This Episode: (00:00:00) Bryan Johnson’s motivation to pursue longevity and impact humanity(00:02:56) The belief that this generation may be the first that does not have to die(00:06:26) The need for a new ideology centered on life and death(00:16:24) Longevity as an economic and market-driven opportunity(00:22:48) The expanding complexity of AI and limits of prediction(00:27:28) Sleep as the foundation of health and longevity(00:28:16) Using resting heart rate as a core health metric(00:33:07) The impact of screens, light, and behavior on sleep quality(00:37:30) The role of caffeine, stress, and routine in sleep optimization(00:43:58) The current limits of anti-aging therapies and future breakthroughs(00:50:23) The role of exercise and building sustainable health routines(00:55:31) The “right to exist” as the next major societal frameworkEditing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick and Sam are joined by Daniel Maguire to discuss Blue Origin's recent rocket explosion, which has sparked a pivotal discussion on the future of space launch dominance and AI infrastructure investments. They explore how industry giants like SpaceX might capitalize on these setbacks, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape with strategic infrastructure investments. Key Points From This Episode:SpaceX and other leaders are building infrastructure more efficiently than traditional players, reducing costs and influencing market dynamics.Companies are paying inflated prices for Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) capacity as a strategic buffer, revealing that perceived scarcity is often due to strategic pricing rather than true supply constraints.The useful life of data center chips extends beyond original ratings, allowing companies to sustain higher margins and boost capital efficiency.If you know ARK, you know we focus on long-term innovation. But that doesn’t mean we ignore breaking news. Every day, we debate the latest developments in tech and markets. Now, we’re bringing those conversations to you in “The Brainstorm,” a co-production from ARK, WOLF, and Public. Tune in weekly for our quick takes on what’s shaping innovation right now.Learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialLearn more about Public: https://public.com/Disclosure: http://arkinv.st/39rzF94

In this episode of Bitcoin Brainstorm, Rod Roudi is joined by Cathie Wood, Adam Back, Hunter Beast, Rob Hamilton, Ren Crypto Fish, and David Puell for a deep discussion on quantum computing and its implications for Bitcoin. The group examines the technical, financial, and governance challenges posed by advances in quantum technology, while also exploring the progress being made on post-quantum cryptography and Bitcoin security research. From institutional concerns and custodial infrastructure to migration paths and consensus-building, the conversation highlights how developers, researchers, and investors are collaboratively addressing one of Bitcoin’s most discussed long-term risks. Guests on this month’s Bitcoin Brainstorm include: Cathie Wood: Founder, CEO and CIO at ARK Invest David Puell: Research Trading Analyst/Associate Portfolio Manager, Digital Assets, ARK InvestAdam Back: CEO, BlockstreamRen Crypto Fish: General Partner, Electric CapitalRob Hamilton: Co-founder & CEO, AnchorWatchHunter Beast: Author, BIP360Rod Roudi: Founder, Bitcoin Park Key Points From This Episode: [00:00:00] Why quantum computing has become a major topic within Bitcoin discussions.[00:02:07] The role of Wright’s Law and Moore’s Law in estimating quantum progress.[00:04:38] Different quantum computing architectures and their implications for Bitcoin security.[00:05:58] Adam Back’s overview of post-quantum signatures and Blockstream’s research efforts.[00:06:55] How Bitcoin layer twos like Liquid are being used as testing grounds for quantum-resistant tools.[00:07:30] The trade-offs between signature size, speed, and security in post-quantum cryptography.[00:09:35] The importance of minimizing feature creep in Bitcoin upgrades.[00:11:41] Institutional investor concerns surrounding Bitcoin’s quantum readiness.[00:22:28] Why Bitcoin developers favor conservative cryptographic approaches.[00:26:20] The collaborative nature of Bitcoin’s open-source research ecosystem.[00:31:45] The distinction between long-range and short-range quantum attacks.[00:38:49] How custodians and hardware security module providers may need to prepare for migration.[00:45:35] Discussions around lost coins and the philosophical debate surrounding frozen or deprecated keys.[00:50:40] The importance of rough consensus within Bitcoin governance.[01:01:20] Why communication and investor education remain critical during this process. Learn more about Bitcoin Park: bitcoinpark.com Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick and Sam are joined by Daniel Maguire and Tasha Keeney to discuss the expected June 12th initial public offering (IPO) of SpaceX. SpaceX’s recently filed S-1 revealed a significant opportunity across launch, Starlink, AI compute, and orbital data centers. The team unpacks the bull and bear cases, Starship’s role, and whether SpaceX could become the backbone of future AI infrastructure.Key Points From This Episode:SpaceX’s S-1 reframed the company as an AI infrastructure story, with xAI, Colossus data centers, and the Anthropic deal suggesting a major opportunity beyond launch and Starlink.Starship is the key unlock, potentially driving launch costs below $100/kg, accelerating Starlink bandwidth deployment, and making orbital data centers economically viable.The biggest risks are execution and monetization, including Starship reusability timelines, turning bandwidth into revenue, staying competitive at the AI frontier, and managing potential future integration with Tesla.If you know ARK, you know we focus on long-term innovation. But that doesn’t mean we ignore breaking news. Every day, we debate the latest developments in tech and markets. Now, we’re bringing those conversations to you in “The Brainstorm,” a co-production from ARK, WOLF, and Public. Tune in weekly for our quick takes on what’s shaping innovation right now.Learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialLearn more about Public: https://public.com/Disclosure: http://arkinv.st/39rzF94

In this episode of FYI, Brett Winton is joined by David Puell, Nic Carter, and Alex Pruden to examine the potential risks quantum computing poses to Bitcoin. The group explores how advances in quantum technology could compromise cryptographic security, what a “broken” Bitcoin system might look like in practice, and the technical pathways for mitigation. They also debate upgrade strategies, trade-offs in post-quantum cryptography, and the controversial question of how to handle vulnerable coins, including those attributed to Satoshi.Key Points From This Episode: 00:00:00 Introduction to the discussion on Bitcoin and quantum computing risk with expert guests.00:02:37 Explanation of how Bitcoin’s digital signatures work and how quantum computers could forge them.00:03:44 Public key exposure during transactions creates vulnerability to quantum attacks.00:05:40 Examples of exposed keys across Lightning Network, bridges, and exchange infrastructure.00:06:49 Breakdown of two attack vectors: dormant addresses vs. real-time mempool attacks.00:08:17 The “point of no return” where fast quantum attacks prevent on-chain migration to safety.00:12:13 Overview of different quantum hardware approaches and their trade-offs.00:18:49 Skepticism around hype cycles and commercialization challenges in quantum computing.00:20:35 Argument for preparing early rather than assuming slow technological progress.00:29:40 Trade-offs in post-quantum cryptography, including performance and security assumptions.00:34:00 Debate over whether to wait for better cryptographic solutions or act immediately.00:40:09 Introduction of the issue of vulnerable dormant coins, including Satoshi’s holdings.00:50:41 Evidence of division within the Bitcoin community on handling vulnerable coins.00:51:50 Proposed solutions including burning coins or extending the supply curve.Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

Hyperliquid is revolutionizing global markets with its innovative blockchain, facilitating $3 trillion in annual volume and rivaling giants like Binance. In this episode, Lorenzo Valente reveals how hyperliquid's cutting-edge technology and products like perpetual futures are democratizing access to private markets and reshaping the future of trading.Key Points From This Episode:The secret sauce behind hyperliquid's rapid growth despite a bear market, including their purpose-built blockchain and low-latency infrastructure.The role of oracle prices in creating synthetic markets for assets with no public data, and the fascinating case of SpaceX's synthetic trading leading up to its Initial Public Offering (IPO).How perpetual futures on SpaceX, Cerebris, and commodities are democratizing access to private markets before they go public.If you know ARK, you know we focus on long-term innovation. But that doesn’t mean we ignore breaking news. Every day, we debate the latest developments in tech and markets. Now, we’re bringing those conversations to you in “The Brainstorm,” a co-production from ARK, WOLF, and Public. Tune in weekly for our quick takes on what’s shaping innovation right now.Learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialLearn more about Public: https://public.com/Disclosure: http://arkinv.st/39rzF94

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Frank and Sam explore the groundbreaking deal between SpaceX and Anthropic, focusing on the implications for AI compute infrastructure, space-based data centers, and the economics behind data centers. Key Points From This Episode:Economic Value of Space-Based AI: The true value lies in scarcity and speed to market rather than cost savings. Companies prioritize immediate access to space-based compute for strategic advantages.Advancements in Hardware Efficiency: Progress in chips and models is driving revenue growth and expanding margins across the AI stack, allowing profitable growth even with capital constraints.Vertical Integration for Rapid Deployment: Controlling chip fabrication and manufacturing accelerates deployment timelines, providing a competitive edge in scaling AI infrastructure quickly.If you know ARK, you know we focus on long-term innovation. But that doesn’t mean we ignore breaking news. Every day, we debate the latest developments in tech and markets. Now, we’re bringing those conversations to you in “The Brainstorm,” a co-production from ARK, WOLF, and Public. Tune in weekly for our quick takes on what’s shaping innovation right now.Learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialLearn more about Public: https://public.com/Disclosure: http://arkinv.st/39rzF94

In this episode of FYI, Lorenzo Valente sits down with ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood and Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, to examine his journey from early life in China to building the world’s largest crypto exchange. CZ shares how Binance scaled rapidly, the regulatory challenges it faced, and how the crypto industry has evolved over the past decade. The conversation also covers institutional adoption, stablecoins, AI’s role in accelerating innovation, and CZ’s outlook on Bitcoin, exchanges, and the future of global finance.Key Points From This Episode: ●      00:00:00 CZ’s early life, founding Binance in 2017, and rapid growth during the initial coin offering (ICO) boom.●      03:23:00 Key drivers behind Binance’s dominance: user protection, speed, and security.●      07:07:00 Institutional participation in crypto has accelerated faster than expected.●      12:00:00 Convergence of traditional finance and crypto into a single system.●      15:03:00 Fee compression and increased competition driven by blockchain efficiency.●      23:44:00 The evolution toward “everything exchanges” offering multiple asset classes.●      34:01:00 Growth and competition among global stablecoins.●      45:58:00 Institutional inflows stabilizing and supporting crypto markets.Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick and Sam offer a comprehensive analysis of mega-cap tech companies, focusing on CapEx trends, AI integration, user engagement, and market demand. They discuss Meta's AI strategies, cloud spending, and the evolving landscape of digital entertainment and enterprise productivity.Key Points From This Episode:Meta's hidden advantage is distribution, not AI products: The core of Meta's value lies in its vast, highly engaged user base, not in its publicly visible AI tools.CapEx increases often signal demand acceleration, not just spending: A rising CapEx number indicates companies are building capacity to meet surging demand, especially driven by AI and cloud adoption.AI-driven productivity expansion surpasses simple cost savings: Tools like ChatGPT or Claude fundamentally unlock higher productivity levels by enabling tasks previously impossible or impractical.If you know ARK, you know we focus on long-term innovation. But that doesn’t mean we ignore breaking news. Every day, we debate the latest developments in tech and markets. Now, we’re bringing those conversations to you in “The Brainstorm,” a co-production from ARK, WOLF, and Public. Tune in weekly for our quick takes on what’s shaping innovation right now.Learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialLearn more about Public: https://public.com/Disclosure: http://arkinv.st/39rzF94

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick and Sam explore how AI is reshaping technology, from coding to consumer devices, and how SpaceX's acquisition of Cursor at a $60 billion valuation could redefine the future of technology. They delve into the strategic layers of AI, revealing insights into SpaceX's long-term advantage and the potential revolution in space launches and satellite deployment.Key Points From This Episode:SpaceX's acquisition of Cursor highlights a strategic move to integrate AI into space technology, aiming for long-term advantages.The episode explores how AI is transforming various tech layers, from coding to consumer devices, emphasizing its growing influence.Insights into Apple's ecosystem and the potential of AI in consumer devices reveal the competitive edge in controlling the AI pipeline.If you know ARK, you know we focus on long-term innovation. But that doesn’t mean we ignore breaking news. Every day, we debate the latest developments in tech and markets. Now, we’re bringing those conversations to you in “The Brainstorm,” a co-production from ARK, WOLF, and Public. Tune in weekly for our quick takes on what’s shaping innovation right now.Learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialLearn more about Public: https://public.com/Disclosure: http://arkinv.st/39rzF94

In this episode of FYI, Brett Winton and Charles Roberts sit down with Michael Stewart of M12, Microsoft’s venture fund, to examine how AI is reshaping software, infrastructure, and investment strategy. Michael explains how M12 identifies emerging signals across the AI ecosystem, from generative AI adoption to enterprise spending shifts. The conversation covers the evolution from SaaS (software as a service) to AI-driven models, pricing dynamics, and the growing importance of compute efficiency. They also discuss future opportunities in consumer AI, material science, and the need to rethink the data center as demand for AI accelerates.Key Points From This Episode: 00:00:00 Introduction to M12 and its role within Microsoft00:04:41 The current AI landscape and platform shift thesis00:09:47 The gap between technical capability and user adoption00:14:33 Compute constraints and the need for model efficiency00:20:55 The concept of “wholesale AI” and token-based enterprise models00:28:00 Uneven AI usage across users and organizations00:31:47 Capturing value: productivity gains vs. software pricing00:35:34 Investment themes: consumer AI and smart TV experiences00:38:58 AI in science and material discovery opportunities00:44:35 Introduction to the data center of the future00:51:35 Capital markets, AI demand, and infrastructure investment gaps00:55:53 Why current AI investment narratives may be backward-lookingEditing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick and Sam explore the emerging landscape of digital identity verification, focusing on World ID and its implications for online security, business models, and advertising. They discuss the technical challenges, regulatory hurdles, and future potential of proof of humanhood in a bot-dominated world.Key Points From This Episode:Authenticity verification is inevitable but deeply complex. As AI-generated content and deepfakes proliferate, proving human authenticity will become essential, requiring nuanced proof systems that balance privacy, convenience, and security.Authenticity verification is inevitable but deeply complex. As AI-generated content and deepfakes proliferate, proving human authenticity will become essential, requiring nuanced proof systems that balance privacy, convenience, and security.Proof of human or human-like presence will shape the future of digital interactions. Authenticating not just a person but their intent through bound bot actions will create a hierarchy of authenticity across social, financial, and security domains.If you know ARK, you know we focus on long-term innovation. But that doesn’t mean we ignore breaking news. Every day, we debate the latest developments in tech and markets. Now, we’re bringing those conversations to you in “The Brainstorm,” a co-production from ARK, WOLF, and Public. Tune in weekly for our quick takes on what’s shaping innovation right now.Learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialLearn more about Public: https://public.com/Disclosure: http://arkinv.st/39rzF94

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick and Sam explore the latest developments in AI models like Mythos, the strategic moves of companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Meta, and the future of social networks in an AI-driven world. They discuss the implications of AI safety, compute constraints, market dynamics, and innovative social trust networks.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:Anthropic's new AI model, Mythos, is being withheld for 100 days to allow top companies to patch vulnerabilities, raising questions about whether this is a marketing tactic or a genuine safety measure.The competition between AI companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Meta revolves around balancing compute resources and enterprise versus consumer focus, with each company making strategic decisions to maximize their market position.The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of AI, where product quality and distribution are key factors in determining success, and the potential for new social networks based on trust relationships rather than broad social media connections.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick and Sam explore the transformative impact of public and private space initiatives, focusing on how NASA's missions and SpaceX's innovations are accelerating progress toward lunar bases and Mars colonies. Discover the economic implications of SpaceX's reusable rockets and AI-powered satellites, and how these advancements are shaping a trillion-dollar industry.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:The true power in space exploration comes from technological leadership, not just financial investment, as exemplified by SpaceX's advancements in reusable rocket technology.Valuation of innovative companies often reflects future potential, not current cash flow, with SpaceX's valuation grounded in its technological edge and expanding markets.Competition in frontier markets hinges on technological timing rather than mere capacity, with SpaceX's lead arising from ongoing improvements in reusability and thrust efficiency.For more information on our thoughts around OpenAI: https://x.com/downingARK/status/2041158083083210866?s=20To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Nick and Sam are joined by Nicole Kagan, Head of Research at Kalshi. They discuss how prediction markets could revolutionize risk management across every industry you can imagine. From macroeconomic trends to cultural phenomena, she's uncovering how financializing uncertainty creates vast new opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and even governments.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:Prediction markets are transforming risk management because they enable direct hedging of any future event, radically expanding the scope and precision of risk transfer.The true power of prediction markets lies in their distribution of certainty, not just point estimates, which reveals how confident the market is about future outcomes.Liquidity is the critical enabler of effective prediction markets, but its emergence depends more on participant interest than on formal market design.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick, and Sam delve into Elon Musk's ambitious Terafab project, a revolutionary semiconductor manufacturing facility poised to transform the future of AI and space infrastructure. Discover how Musk's strategy integrates energy, manufacturing, and space into a cohesive ecosystem, aiming to produce trillions of chips and power space colonization. Join us as we explore the implications of this $20 billion venture and its potential to reshape global technology and innovation.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:Elon Musk’s Terafab aims to vertically integrate the semiconductor supply chain, turning a complex industry into a proprietary ecosystem that enhances scale, flexibility, and control.The success of Musk's ventures relies on interconnected breakthroughs, such as Starship’s reusability and Moon mass drivers, which must succeed simultaneously to drive exponential growth.By overinvesting in AI compute and semiconductor capacity, companies like Tesla and SpaceX are bypassing traditional supply chain constraints, accelerating innovation, and reshaping industry standards.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick, and Sam are joined by Frank Downing to discuss how XAI is shifting gears, aiming to turn that raw power into practical, revenue-generating products. Elon Musk’s latest moves reveal a daring strategy: leveraging Tesla’s custom chips, SpaceX’s orbital infrastructure, and a close-knit integration of AI and hardware. The question is, can XAI reinvent itself with this vertical integration, or will it become just another seller of compute?If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:The key to competitive advantage now lies in how models are packaged and integrated for real-world application rather than just their raw capabilities.Success depends on seamlessly combining technological capabilities with the right distribution channels and user interfaces.Dominance in AI is increasingly driven by proprietary hardware and custom chips that reduce reliance on expensive, profit-margined cloud providers.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick, and Sam are joined by Alap Shah, CIO of Lotus Technology Management, and co-author of the viral Citrini Report. Alap reveals a provocative scenario: an acceleration in AI capabilities might wipe out a significant portion of white-collar jobs faster than expected, risking both economic disruption and widening inequality. He also teases his follow up report, being released in the coming weeks.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:The scarcity of human intelligence, once the economic foundation, is at risk as AI turns this scarcity into abundance, potentially disrupting value and production.AI-driven productivity gains could exacerbate inequality unless systemic changes are made to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.The timing mismatch between technological productivity and job displacement could lead to economic instability, requiring proactive policies to smooth the transition.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick, and Sam dissect how industry giants like Block are slashing 40% of their workforce overnight while accelerating AI adoption, challenging everything you thought you knew about employment, productivity, and economic growth. You’ll discover the real reason behind Jack Dorsey’s massive layoffs, surprising data on revenue-per-employee ratios, and the shift from tools to agentic systems.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:Anthropic's recent conflict with the Department of War over the use of their Claude model highlights the complexities of AI governance and the impact of political stances on market positioning.The rapid downsizing of high-performing companies suggests that AI-driven efficiency gains are fundamentally disruptive, challenging traditional notions of organizational scale.Prediction markets face challenges with transparency and insider trading, but they hold long-term potential for providing real-time intelligence and liquidity in equity markets.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of FYI, Brett Winton and Nick Grous sit down with Leif Abraham, co-founder and co-CEO of Public. They examine how the brokerage landscape is shifting as digital-native investors seek more sophisticated tools, and why Public is focused on the top quartile of earners positioned to compound wealth. Leif discusses agentic AI workflows, generated assets, platform design trade-offs, prediction markets, and how Public is balancing short-term monetization with long-term customer lifetime value.Key Points From This Episode: 00:00:00 Public’s positioning in the modern brokerage landscape00:07:17 The K-shaped economy and focusing on the top quartile00:09:04 Building a “serious” financial service centered on trust00:10:06 Product depth vs. simplification in brokerage design00:11:00 Generated Assets: prompting AI-built custom portfolios00:13:21 Digital natives as hybrid self-directed investors00:15:04 How AI is transforming internal product development00:19:55 Launching agentic workflows for money movement and trading00:23:38 Compressing the distance from idea to execution00:27:34 Guardrails, approvals, and trust in AI-driven execution00:30:26 Short-term trading revenue vs. long-term lifetime value00:33:32 Agents as retention and lock-in strategy00:35:05 Replacing financial advisors: automation, advice, and emotion00:37:54 Tokenization and private asset access00:40:40 Prediction markets and avoiding sports betting00:45:55 Building the last investing account customers ever openEditing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick, and Sam debate the implications of humanoid robots and AI on society, focusing on themes such as technological unemployment, the competition between the US and China in robotics, and the future of work in an increasingly automated world. They explore whether humanoid robots are overhyped or underhyped, the economic implications of AI, and the role of humans in a future dominated by automation. The discussion is punctuated by viewer questions, adding depth to the exploration of these pressing topics. If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:Humanoid robots are gaining attention, especially from China.Technological unemployment is often overstated; historical examples show job creation.AI and robotics can enhance productivity rather than eliminate jobs.The future of humanoid robots is uncertain in the short term but promising long term.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Brett, Nick, and Sam are joined by Frank Downing to discuss the current state of the Software-As-A-Service (SaaS) industry, exploring whether it is dead or simply undergoing a transformation due to AI advancements. They delve into the competitive landscape, pricing power, and the challenges faced by traditional SaaS companies. The discussion also touches on the innovator's dilemma in the context of AI and how it affects companies' willingness to disrupt their own business models. Finally, they examine the dynamics of the crypto market and the shift towards institutional adoption.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:AI is reshaping the SaaS landscape.Competition in SaaS is increasing due to new entrants.The innovator's dilemma remains a challenge for established firms.Crypto markets are maturing with institutional interest.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode, ARK’s Cathie Wood and Brett Winton speak with Bryan Pellegrino and Simon Baksys of LayerZero, a leading interoperability protocol aiming to unify fragmented blockchain environments. The conversation covers LayerZero’s origins, the evolving landscape of crypto infrastructure, and the expanding role of stablecoins and tokenized assets. Bryan shares his personal journey from professional poker to crypto entrepreneur, and how LayerZero emerged from a need for seamless cross-chain communication.Together, they explore the trade-offs in blockchain scaling, institutional adoption of crypto, and how LayerZero could power a future shaped by AI agents and global, permissionless finance.Key Points From This Episode: (00:02:55) Bryan Pellegrino’s path from poker to crypto infrastructure(00:06:31) Why interoperability is critical in a multi-chain world(00:10:36) Institutional adoption and the trade-offs in decentralization(00:13:09) The rise of Layer 2s and the compromises in blockchain scalability(00:16:34) The future of chain proliferation vs. reconsolidation(00:23:22) How LayerZero works from a user perspective(00:31:43) Winning market share and competitive dynamics in bridging(00:43:13) AI x Blockchain: Enabling agentic commerce and microtransactions(00:49:34) Stablecoins as bottom-up globalization and financial empowerment(00:54:04) How LayerZero is becoming the default stablecoin infrastructure(01:02:57) Final thoughts: Stablecoins, tokenization, and AI agents convergingEditing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

In this episode, ARK CEO and CIO Cathie Wood sits down with Stefanie Drews, the newly appointed CEO of Amova (formerly Nikko Asset Management). Together, they explore the evolution of a decade-long partnership that helped shape both firms — and delve into Stefanie’s remarkable leadership journey as a woman at the helm of a global asset manager. From Amova’s recent strategic expansion in Asia to Stefanie's philosophy of integrating personal, professional, and purpose-driven goals, this conversation blends business insight with human depth. Stefanie also shares how her experiences as a single mother, an environmental advocate, and a structured leader have shaped the way she builds companies and raises a family — simultaneously, and without compromise.Key Points From This Episode:[00:00] Introduction — Cathie Wood introduces Stefanie Drews and Amova’s significance to ARK[02:00] Why “Amova”? The origin and meaning behind the rebrand[06:50] How ARK and Amova (formerly Nikko) first connected — a webinar, a cold call, and early alignment[10:30] Japan’s surprising appetite for innovation and thematic investing[15:00] Fintech’s rapid uptake in Asia and ARK’s early research shifts[16:15] Misconceptions about Japanese retail investors and their sophistication[18:45] Social media, translation, and virality of ARK’s research in Japan[20:00] Amova’s expansion into Southeast Asia: Malaysia, digital wealth, and private equity[22:00] Six-part growth strategy and ticking boxes for Amova’s 10-year global plan[29:20] Stefanie's leadership philosophy: raising children with structure, empathy, and independence[31:25] Career stumbles and moral realignment: learning to face yourself and course-correct[34:10] What’s next? Stefanie on continuous progress, purpose, and leading with intentAmova Asset Management (“Amova”) is a current client of ARK Investment Management LLC (“ARK Invest”) in its capacity as a sub-adviser. Amova is also a compensated promoter for ARK Invest. Amova has entered into an agreement with ARK Invest whereby ARK Invest has agreed to pay Amova a fee in exchange for Amova referring investors to ARK Invest’s ETFs. For its services to ARK Invest, Amova will receive 25% of the advisory fees received by ARK Invest for referred seed investors with respect to the initial seed investment. ARK Invest will also compensate Amova 25% of the advisory fees received by ARK Invest from referred investors other than seed investors in respect of the monthly holdings of each referred investor who has invested into one or more of ARK’s ETFs, excluding those of initial investments made by seed investors. The compensation arrangement will continue for so long as the referred investors remain invested in ARK’s ETFs. The advisory fees charged to the ETFs will not be affected by the fees paid to Amova, because Amova’s compensation will be paid solely from ARK Invest’s investment management fee. Amova and its representatives may also receive non-cash compensation from ARK Invest, such as attendance at events, entertainment and gifts. Receipt of cash and non-cash compensation influences Amova’s referral of investors to ARK Invest. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

Elon Musk envisions a groundbreaking future where AI infrastructure in space revolutionizes cost, innovation, and competition. This episode explores how SpaceX's satellite ambitions could transform AI, potentially dwarfing terrestrial data centers. We delve into the strategic merging of SpaceX and xAI, revealing a blueprint for the next decade's tech race. If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:Elon Musk's vision of space-based AI infrastructure aims to drastically reduce costs and accelerate innovation, positioning it as a game-changer in the tech industry.SpaceX's satellite initiatives are not just about communication but are pivotal in creating a space-powered AI ecosystem that could surpass terrestrial data centers.The strategic integration of SpaceX and xAI is set to redefine the AI landscape, offering a blueprint for the next decade's technological advancements.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

Since inception, ARK has researched and published thoughts on the cryptocurrency ecosystem within Big Ideas and through articles, whitepapers, monthly Bitcoin reports and podcasts. Now, in coordination with Bitcoin Park, ARK is pleased to introduce a monthly conversation with leaders in the Bitcoin space, to discuss everything happening in the rapidly-changing and still nascent Bitcoin ecosystem. Published through the For Your innovation podcast channels, this monthly series aims to be informative and enlightening, including experts with diverse viewpoints. In this episode, Cathie Wood and guests reflect on ARK’s decade-long Bitcoin journey—from early research to its prominent role in Big Ideas 2026—and debate Bitcoin’s evolving thesis amid shifting macro conditions. The conversation distinguishes Bitcoin as “freedom technology” versus stablecoins as more “humanitarian” but censorable tools, while exploring institutional adoption, emerging-market use cases, and gold’s relationship to Bitcoin as a hedge. The group then pivots to the convergence of Bitcoin, AI, and decentralized social (Noster), highlighting “vibe coding,” open-source acceleration, and the rise of autonomous agents—ending with a forward-looking vision of 2030 shaped by autonomous mobility, healthcare breakthroughs, and expanding digital/space frontiers.Guests on this month’s Bitcoin Brainstorm include: Lorenzo Valente: Director of Digital Assets, ARK InvestAlex Gladstein: Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Human Rights Foundation (HRF) Tuur Demeester: Founder, Adamant CapitalAlex Gleason: Open-source developer / Soapbox developer; formerly Head of Engineering at Truth Social.Rapha Zagury: Founder and CEO, Elektron EnergyCathie Wood: Founder, CEO and CIO at ARK Invest Rod Roudi: Founder, Bitcoin Park  Key Points From This Episode:(0:00) Intro disclaimer(1:04) Flashback: ARK’s 2016 Bitcoin white paper(2:33) Bitcoin in Big Ideas — a 10-year evolution(7:49) Bitcoin vs. stablecoins: freedom tech vs. humanitarian tech(12:23) Personal stories: Brazil, inflation, and Bitcoin’s role(17:14) Tuur on Bitcoin cycles, gold correlation, and price thesis(26:37) Convergence: Bitcoin, AI, and decentralized social(31:41) New renaissance: vibe coding, AI agents, and entrepreneurship(34:24) Open source, Claude bots, and encrypted personal AI(46:44) Autonomous agents exchanging Bitcoin(48:19) Dreaming of 2030: freedom tech and decentralization(52:17) Bitcoin mining, energy, and infrastructure(56:11) Cathie: AI’s biggest opportunities — mobility and healthcare Learn more about Bitcoin Park: bitcoinpark.com Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

In this episode of FYI – For Your Innovation, ARK’s Cathie Wood speaks with Don Wilson, a pioneer in crypto market infrastructure and the founder of DRW and Cumberland. They discuss the accelerating shift of traditional finance onto blockchains, focusing on the emergence of the Canton Network, a public permissionless blockchain designed for institutions—with privacy and permissioning at its core. Don unpacks why Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation’s (DTCC’s) decision to tokenize U.S. Treasuries on Canton marks a turning point in institutional adoption, how Canton balances decentralization with control, and what makes it uniquely suited for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. The conversation covers stablecoins, the evolving role of private credit and equity, and how tokenization might reshape collateral, leverage, and capital efficiency. Don also offers sharp takes on Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) vs. payment for order flow, prediction markets, and whether we’re still in a “four-year crypto cycle.” A must-listen for those tracking the future of digital asset infrastructure.Key Points From This Episode:[00:00] Intro + Why tokenization matters: reducing costs, unlocking capital efficiency, and ARK’s thesis on blockchain infrastructure[06:27] Don Wilson’s background, early crypto involvement, and the founding of Cumberland and Canton[09:57] Why privacy and permissioning are essential for institutional blockchains[13:44] DTCC's adoption of the Canton Network and the mechanics of tokenizing U.S. Treasuries[25:05] Real-world benefits of tokenization: collateral mobility, after-hours lending, and stablecoin settlement[29:23] Prediction markets: institutional vs. retail use cases and the importance of privacy on-chain[35:13 – 37:23] Scaling Canton: new strategic investors and trillions in tokenized assets already on-chain[37:25 – 47:34] Private equity and credit on-chain: implications for efficiency, leverage, and retail access[47:34] MEV vs. payment for order flow: why Don believes MEV resembles illegal front-running[48:18] Crypto market structure: October flash crash, ETFs, and institutional buyers in the current cycle[55:10] Closing remarksEditing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

In this episode of The Brainstorm, hosts Sam, Brett, and Nick are joined by Frank Downing to dig into “Clawdbot” (recently renamed to “Moltbot”) and why it went viral—highlighting its transparent file-based memory, extensible skills, and the shift from Q&A chatbots to more autonomous assistants. They then pivot to OpenAI monetization—discussing ads, lower-priced tiers, and a commerce take-rate via Shopify—plus what ads could do to user trust in chatbot answers. The episode closes with a quick Robotaxi check-in in Austin and a debate about what it means for scaling Tesla autonomy and legacy hardware.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:Moltbot (previously Clawdbot)  was discussed as a compelling open-source agent approach because it uses transparent file-based “memory” and modular skills, but the hosts framed it as still early and mostly hobbyist compared with mainstream assistants. The episode argued that OpenAI monetization is moving toward ads, lower-priced tiers, and commerce economics (including a Shopify take-rate concept), while stressing that ad incentives could meaningfully affect user trust in chatbot answers depending on how they’re integrated. The Robotaxi segment used Austin progress (including a shift away from an in-car safety driver) to debate how quickly Tesla can scale autonomy and whether older hardware will be able to support truly unsupervised driving.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of FYI – For Your Innovation, ARK's CEO Cathie Wood hosts a wide-ranging conversation with Marco Santori, CEO of Solmate, and Dr. Arthur Laffer, renowned economist and longtime ARK advisor. Together, they explore the evolving crypto landscape, regulatory shifts, and why Solana is emerging as a powerful foundation for next-generation financial infrastructure. Santori, previously Chief Legal Officer at Kraken and General Partner at Pantera, shares why he’s now focused on building Solmate atop the Solana blockchain—and why the Middle East is a critical part of that strategy. He explains Solana’s technical advantages, from base-layer speed to support for smart contracts, and its potential to become the platform of choice for high-frequency trading, AI-driven transactions, and decentralized financial services. Dr. Laffer brings historical context to the conversation, contrasting private and government-controlled currencies and making the case for innovation in monetary systems. He also reflects on why he joined the board of Solmate and what excites him about its approach to financial infrastructure and economic growth.Key Points From This Episode:●      [0:00] Meet the guests: Marco Santori’s legal background and early Solana investment●      [4:45] Regulatory whiplash: How the U.S. landscape shifted under a new administration●      [7:16] Dr. Laffer’s crypto “aha” moment and the history of private money●      [13:30] Why Marco chose Solana: performance, smart contracts, and AI readiness●      [18:05] Ethereum vs. Solana: decentralization, speed, and Wall Street applications●      [23:27] Solmate’s board and Middle East connections●      [30:14] Why the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is betting on Solana●      [37:09] The evolution of Solmate from digital asset treasury to infrastructure company●      [42:38] Revenue strategy: building cash flow, not just holding tokens●      [46:23] The Middle East as a geographic and latency hub for blockchain innovation●      [51:06] High-frequency transacting: the next frontier in trading●      [52:31] Solana and on-chain prediction marketsEditing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

In this episode of The Brainstorm, hosts Sam, Brett, and Nick are joined by Cathie Wood to discuss a range of pressing economic and technological topics. The conversation kicks off with the implications of Jerome Powell's subpoena and the broader economic initiatives under the Trump administration. Cathie Wood shares insights on the impact of these policies on consumer sentiment, inflation, and the housing market. The discussion also delves into the dynamics between Apple, Google, and AI technology, highlighting the strategic partnerships shaping the future of digital assistants like Siri. The episode wraps up with a lively debate on the potential of humanoid robots and the evolving landscape of innovation and investment.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:Cathie Wood discusses the economic impact of Jerome Powell's subpoena and recent Trump administration policies on consumer sentiment and inflation.The conversation explores the strategic partnership between Apple and Google, focusing on AI technology and its implications for Siri.The hosts debate the potential of humanoid robots and the investment landscape for innovation in this field.The episode touches on the dynamics of the housing market and the influence of political and economic factors on housing prices.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

Since inception, ARK has researched and published thoughts on the cryptocurrency ecosystem within Big Ideas and through articles, whitepapers, monthly Bitcoin reports and podcasts. Now, in coordination with Bitcoin Park, ARK is pleased to introduce a monthly conversation with leaders in the Bitcoin space, to discuss everything happening in the rapidly-changing and still nascent Bitcoin ecosystem. Published through the For Your innovation podcast channels, this monthly series aims to be informative and enlightening, including experts with diverse viewpoints. Guests on this month’s Bitcoin Brainstorm include: Lorenzo Valente: Director of Digital Assets at ARK InvestFrank Corva: Former Bitcoin White House Correspondent and Contributor to Forbes CryptoJeff Booth: General Partner of Ego Death Capital and Board Member of Core Scientific Rory Murray: VP Digital Assets Management at CleanSparkCathie Wood: Founder, CEO and CIO at ARK InvestRod Roudi: Co-Founder, Bitcoin Park  Key Points From This Episode:0:00 — Welcome + 2025 → 2026 setup0:52 — 2025 price action: $120k, 10/10 flash crash, four-year cycle & volatility5:06 — Why 2025 was a “before/after” year: Genius Act, Clarity Act, institutional rails10:13 — Stablecoins vs Bitcoin: “usurping a role” + medium-of-exchange reality check12:38 — Circular economies on the ground: Kibera (Afribit) + real-world usage20:32 — US adoption push: Square/Block terminals + merchant acceptance22:26 — The “de minimis” tax exemption: why it matters + political momentum28:04 — Privacy + developer protections: Clarity Act language, Samourai/Tornado Cash concerns32:01 — Bitcoin as pristine collateral: miners, credit markets, yield/treasury management48:29 — Mining & energy convergence: AI/High Performance Computing (HPC) shift, hashrate decentralization, supply chain/ASICs56:14 — Bold predictions for 2026: normalization + “de-taboo-ization” of Bitcoin Learn more about Bitcoin Park: bitcoinpark.comEditing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com) 

In this episode of The Brainstorm, we discuss the latest developments in AI and technology, including NVIDIA's strategic moves with Groq and Meta's acquisition of Manus AI. We explore the implications of these acquisitions on the AI landscape, the potential for orchestration layers in AI models, and the competitive dynamics among major tech companies. The conversation also touches on the future of user interfaces and the evolving role of voice and text in consumer interactions.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:NVIDIA's strategic investment in Groq highlights its focus on enhancing AI chip capabilities without full acquisition, aiming to secure a competitive edge.Meta's acquisition of Manus AI emphasizes the importance of orchestration layers in delivering agentic AI experiences, integrating multiple models for diverse applications.The discussion explores the evolving AI landscape, questioning whether foundational models or their applications (wrappers) hold more value for end-users.The hosts debate the future of user interfaces, predicting a shift towards voice interactions and the potential for new hardware innovations.The episode concludes with a look at the competitive dynamics in the tech industry, particularly the role of initial public offerings (IPOs) and acquisitions in shaping market leadership.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

On this year’s final episode of FYI, we will be taking the opportunity to highlight some of the best moments from throughout the year. While we are grateful for every single guest that has joined the For Your Innovation podcast, here is a compilation of some of our favorite moments.  Key Points From Each Highlighted Episode: Vlad Tenev: Robinhood’s north star is a “financial super app” that uses tokenization/stablecoins to broaden access and ownership for everyday investors. Tom Lee: Digital-asset treasury companies can be the traditional finance (TradFi) wrapper that makes token exposure easier to own inside existing market plumbing. Dr. Jin-Hyung Lee: Real “understanding” of the brain means measuring and controlling circuits precisely enough to restore function—and building models that connect intervention to outcome. Peter Diamandis: Aging is increasingly framed as an epigenetic + systems problem, where AI and better therapies could accelerate progress toward “longevity escape velocity.” Peter Walker: Venture dollars are increasingly concentrated in AI (especially late-stage) while liquidity remains constrained without a healthier initial public offering (IPO) market.

In this episode, Brett Winton and Lorenzo sit down with Carlos Domingo, CEO and co-founder of Securitize, to explore how blockchain infrastructure is transforming capital markets. As a pioneer in the tokenization space, Carlos unpacks what it means to issue native securities—like stocks, bonds, and credit funds—on chain and why the modernization of legacy financial systems is long overdue. Carlos details Securitize’s role as a registered transfer agent and broker-dealer, their regulatory journey with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and why native tokenization (not synthetic derivatives) is essential for future growth. They discuss the promise of 24/7 trading, peer-to-peer transfers, composability with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, and the global democratization of financial access—especially in markets underserved by traditional systems. The episode also dives into the tension between blockchain-native systems and financial incumbents, the logic behind Securitize’s decision to go public via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), and the asset classes best suited for tokenization—from treasuries to public equities and beyond.Key Points From This Episode:(00:00:00) Why capital markets need a blockchain-based ledger upgrade(00:05:46) How tokenization improves global accessibility and financial user experience(00:07:35) Real-world examples: Tokenized treasury and credit funds(00:10:29) Understanding how ownership works: DTCC, transfer agents, and blockchain(00:17:08) Global appetite for tokenized stocks, following stablecoin adoption(00:18:24) Tokenizing private equity and venture capital for broader access(00:25:34) How Securitize tokenizes assets the right way—with issuer involvement(00:28:55) Regulatory clarity accelerates tokenization adoption(00:30:08) Open blockchain infrastructure unlocks composability and innovation(00:35:50) Where Securitize fits in the capital markets stack(00:37:13) Projecting tokenized assets: From $4.6B to $200B assets under management (AUM)(00:39:46) Why Securitize stays blockchain-agnostic despite protocol growth

In this episode of The Brainstorm, we delve into the groundbreaking advancements in gene editing, focusing on its potential to transform healthcare. We explore the shift from treating rare diseases to tackling common killers like cardiovascular disease, and discover how CRISPR technology is paving the way for a new era in medical treatment.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:CRISPR-based gene editing is moving from treating rare diseases to addressing common conditions like cardiovascular disease.The transition from ex vivo to in vivo gene editing could simplify treatment processes significantly.Lipid nanoparticle delivery is a key advancement enabling in vivo gene editing.The potential market for in vivo gene editing treatments is vast, with significant implications for healthcare costs and patient outcomes.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/Relevant Links:https://www.ark-invest.com/newsletters/issue-491

In this episode of The Brainstorm, we dive into the high-stakes battle between Netflix and Paramount over the acquisition of Warner Brothers, exploring the implications for the streaming industry. We also discuss Elon Musk's ambitious plans for space-based data centers and the potential impact on global technology infrastructure. If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:The episode explores the intense competition between Netflix and Paramount for the acquisition of Warner Brothers, highlighting the strategic moves and potential outcomes.Discussion centers around Elon Musk's plans for launching space-based data centers, aiming to revolutionize global data infrastructure.The conversation delves into how these acquisitions and technological advancements could reshape the streaming landscape and consumer experiences.The episode concludes with insights into the broader impact of these developments on the future of entertainment and technology sectors.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of FYI – For Your Innovation, ARK's Brett and Lorenzo are joined by Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon, to explore the evolving landscape of Ethereum scaling, the role of Layer 2s, and Polygon’s growing importance in Web3 infrastructure. Sandeep unpacks how Polygon transitioned from a sidechain into a comprehensive execution layer, supporting both shared and dedicated compute environments. The discussion spans Polygon's technology roadmap (including the transition to Polygon 2.0), the distinction between sidechains and L2s, and how Polygon’s AggLayer is designed to unify fragmented liquidity across custom blockchains. They also address the competitive dynamics between public blockchains and “corpo chains” like those initiated by Stripe, Circle, and Coinbase—raising questions about credible neutrality, token economics, and long-term adoption paths. Sandeep outlines Polygon's strategy of prioritizing scale before revenue, aiming to build lasting infrastructure in the face of fast-moving innovation.Key Points From This Episode:[00:00] – Intro: What are Layer 1s, Layer 2s, and sidechains?[08:00] – Why apps are moving to dedicated L2s[20:03] – What is Polygon, and why is “L2” a misnomer?[28:03] – Pitching Polygon to institutions and developers[29:01] – Competitive landscape: too many chains, not enough clarity[34:14] – Are L2s valuable businesses?[35:30] – Why usage, not fees, is Polygon’s current priority[40:46] – Corpo chains and how they leverage open infrastructure[48:41] – What success looks like for Polygon in 5 years[49:54] – Key metrics: TVL, throughput, and transaction growth[50:57] – Outro and closing reflections from Brett

Impulse Labs founder and CEO Sam D’Amico joins ARK’s Brett Winton and Sam Korus to explore how embedding batteries into appliances—starting with the humble kitchen stove—can rewire energy infrastructure from the inside out. From his time at Oculus and Google to pioneering a 10,000-watt induction cooktop, Sam shares how Impulse is building what he calls the “modern electric technology stack,” and why that could make Impulse the Tesla of home devices.Key Points From This Episode:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:00) Why ARK is excited about Impulse Labs(00:03:20) From Oculus to appliances — Sam’s founder story(00:06:40) Why embedding batteries transforms the home(00:08:20) “The battery of things” vs. “the internet of things”(00:10:30) How induction cooking works — and what Impulse improves(00:13:30) Building a 10,000-watt coil and keeping it safe(00:17:35) Precision temperature control and AI-powered cooking(00:20:17) Using the stove’s battery as grid storage(00:23:59) How battery-backed appliances help with installation and energy resilience(00:26:30) Beyond stoves — expanding into HVAC, water heaters, laundry, and more(00:30:35) Distributed batteries vs. centralized storage(00:34:00) Infrastructure benefits from embedded storage(00:38:20) Why performance, not just sustainability, drives electrification(00:40:52) Scaling manufacturing and the factory as a product(00:44:03) KPIs: Deployed devices and battery gigawatt hours(00:47:18) Microwave experiments and future applications(00:49:17) The appliance market’s legacy and Impulse’s edge(00:51:05) The original pizza obsession that sparked the idea

In this episode of The Brainstorm, we dive into the looming threat of quantum computing on Bitcoin's security. Join Sam, Nick, Raye, and Brett as they explore the vulnerabilities in Bitcoin's network, the potential impact of quantum advancements, and the steps the crypto community must take to safeguard the future of digital currencies.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:Quantum computing poses a significant threat to Bitcoin by potentially compromising wallet security through reverse engineering of private keys.A third of Bitcoin's total supply is vulnerable to quantum attacks, highlighting the urgent need for quantum-resistant security measures.The Bitcoin community faces challenges in reaching consensus on implementing new security protocols to counteract quantum threats.The timeline for quantum computing advancements remains uncertain, but proactive measures are essential to protect the crypto ecosystem.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Sam Korus, Brett Winton, Nick Grous, and Frank Downing dive into the competitive landscape of AI, exploring why Google is outpacing its rivals with the release of Gemini 3. They discuss the implications of this technological leap, the transformative potential of Nano Banana Pro, and what it means for the future of AI. If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:Google's Gemini 3 is setting new benchmarks in AI, challenging the dominance of OpenAI's models.The introduction of Nano Banana Pro marks a significant advancement in AI's ability to process and present information visually.Google's strategic integration of AI across its services is enhancing user personalization and memory capabilities.The competitive dynamics in AI are shifting, with Google leveraging its full-stack capabilities to gain an edge over competitors.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Sam Korus, Brett Winton, and Nick Grous dive into the current state of the market, discussing the recent downturn and its impact on major players like Bitcoin and Nvidia. They explore the narrative around AI as a potential bubble, the implications of major investors selling off their stakes, and the broader economic factors at play. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of AI monetization, the competitive landscape among tech giants, and the future of reusable rockets in the space industry.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Wolf.financial, and sponsored by Public. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:The episode opens with a discussion on the recent market downturn and its impact on major tech stocks.The hosts explore the narrative surrounding AI as a potential bubble and its implications for the tech industry.Key economic factors, including government actions and investor behavior, are analyzed for their influence on market trends.The conversation delves into the strategies and challenges of monetizing AI technologies.The episode also touches on advancements in space technology, particularly the development of reusable rockets.To learn more about WOLF: https://wolf.financialTo learn more about Public: https://public.com/

In this episode of The Brainstorm, Nick Grous, Tasha Keeney, and Brett Winton dive into the latest Tesla shareholder meeting, discussing Tesla's ambitious plans to build their own chip fab and the implications for the future of autonomous driving. They also explore Robinhood's strategic moves in the financial market and the potential of space-based data centers. If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Public.com. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:Tesla plans to build its own chip fab to ensure a steady supply for its vehicles and robotics, aiming to overcome manufacturing limitations.The discussion highlights Tesla's move towards full autonomy, with potential updates allowing texting while driving in the near future.Robinhood's strategy to attract Tesla shareholders with a 2% uncapped match is analyzed as a bold customer acquisition move.The feasibility and future of space-based data centers are explored, considering the challenges and opportunities in this emerging field.For more updates on Public.com:Website: https://public.com/YouTube: @publicinvestX: https://twitter.com/public

In this episode, ARK’s Cathie Wood and Brett Winton sit down with Sean McClain, Founder and CEO of AbSci, to explore how generative AI is reshaping drug discovery, development timelines, and clinical costs. Sean walks through real-world examples of AI-designed antibodies—such as AbSci’s breakthrough HIV antibody and a regenerative treatment for hair loss—and explains how these platforms are helping unlock previously “undruggable” biology.They discuss AbSci’s Phase 2-ready hair growth antibody (BS201), the company’s partnerships with Caltech and AMD, and why the FDA’s evolving embrace of AI could accelerate the end of animal testing. The conversation closes with a forward-looking discussion on the role of regenerative medicine in longevity—and why AI drug discovery might just pull biotech out of its multi-year bear market.Key Points From This Episode:(00:00:00) How AbSci uses generative AI to design antibodies from scratch(00:02:42) HIV, ion channels, and the promise of targeting "undruggable" biology(00:06:28) AbSci’s BS201 drug for hair regrowth: mechanism, speed, and cost advantages(00:13:20) Clinical timeline: From concept to Phase 2 readout in 3.5 years(00:15:34) Bringing costs down: $100–150M vs. the industry average of $2.4B(00:17:36) Why AI enables “keys designed for specific locks” in drug targeting(00:22:58) What AbSci’s models are trained on—and how prompts work in drug inference(00:25:32) The future of clinical testing: AI replacing animal models(00:36:43) Sarcopenia, strength loss, and regenerative approaches to aging(00:48:10) BS201 as a long-acting pulse therapy—and how it compares to transplants

In this episode of The Brainstorm, hosts Nick Grous, Brett Winton, and guests Frank Downing and Jozef Soja dive into OpenAI's ambitious restructuring plan and its implications for a potential $1 trillion IPO. They explore the intricacies of OpenAI's partnership with Microsoft, the challenges of defining artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the strategic moves shaping the future of AI.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Public.com. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:OpenAI has restructured as a public benefit corporation, with Microsoft holding a 27% stake. The restructuring includes a clause for declaring AGI, requiring independent verification.The company projects significant revenue growth, aiming for a $100 billion run rate by 2027. OpenAI's valuation could compress as it approaches a trillion-dollar IPO.OpenAI's potential IPO is driven by the need for increased compute and capital.The AI market is expected to see multiple large players, not just a single winner.Amazon's chatbot, Rufus, demonstrates successful consumer AI monetization.For more updates on Public.com:Website: https://public.com/YouTube: @publicinvestX: https://twitter.com/public

In this episode of The Brainstorm, join Nick Grous, Tasha Keeney, and Brett Winton as they dive into Tesla's latest earnings, the future of Robotaxis, and the challenges of humanoid robots. Explore insights on Tesla's production ramp, AI advancements, and the potential for full autonomy.If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Public.com. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.Key Points From This Episode:Tesla's recent earnings call highlighted increased confidence in their Robotaxi service and plans to scale production rapidly.Elon Musk expressed optimism about achieving unsupervised full self-driving capabilities soon, aiming for 3 million vehicles annually within two years.The discussion explored the complexity of humanoid robots, estimating the problem to be 200,000 times more challenging than Robotaxis.Tesla's strategy involves leveraging AI compute power and Robotaxi cash flow to advance humanoid robot development.Regulatory hurdles remain a significant factor in the rollout of full autonomy and Robotaxi services across different states.For more updates on Public.com:Website: https://public.com/YouTube: @publicinvestX: https://twitter.com/public

In this episode, ARK’s Brett Winton and Lorenzo Valente sit down with Anatoly Yakovenko — co-founder of Solana — to explore how Solana is evolving into a high-performance, globally distributed financial infrastructure. Anatoly shares the network’s origin story, explains how Solana leverages parallel compute and hardware innovation to scale, and outlines why execution—not just settlement—is the future of crypto-based finance.The discussion covers how Solana compares to centralized systems like NASDAQ, why monolithic architecture matters, and how innovations like Firedancer and Alpenglow will push the boundaries of decentralized coordination and real-time price discovery. They also explore tokenomics, validator incentives, and why Solana is built to handle machine-generated transaction volumes at global scale.Anatoly offers a wide-ranging perspective on decentralization, future throughput limits, and why blockchains should eventually become invisible to end users.Key Points From This Episode:00:00:00 Why Solana exists00:06:25 Time as a cryptographic primitive: Solving blockchain inefficiency with Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA)00:11:33 Why Proof of History may disappear — and what replaces it.00:14:16 How cryptographic guarantees could replace 100 years of financial regulation.00:20:03 Settlement vs. execution: Why all the value accrues at the execution layer.00:26:29 Handling millions of transactions per second — and how Solana filters noise.00:38:47 Solana vs. NASDAQ: Building a global atomic state machine for finance.00:42:25 Validator incentives, staking yields, and real vs. inflationary revenue.00:48:46 Firedancer, Alpenglow, and multiple concurrent proposers: What’s next for Solana.00:54:52 Is quantum computing a real crypto threat? Anatoly’s timeline and optimism.